Railroad Wheel Company To Reopen Alabama Plant

BESSEMER, Ala. (AP) -- A railroad wheel manufacturing company plans to create as many as 160 jobs near Bessemer.

The Birmingham News reports that Griffin Wheel Co. plans to invest $45 million to reopen a vacant plant. The company, which is a subsidiary of Chicago-based Amsted Industries, was set to outline its plans before the Jefferson County Commission's economic development committee Tuesday.

The company was seeking an undisclosed amount of property tax abatements. If it gets the incentives, Griffin Wheel will reopen the plant that it operated for 36 years until 2001 when it closed because of a decline in the industry.

Officials say the plant would generate an annual payroll of $6 million.